Hatred in Britain

Britain is a hotbed of radical anti-Israeli sentiment.

Throughout its modern history, Britain has prided itself on its liberal society, which cherishes human rights and values civil liberties.

That pride was well founded, both in the international arena, when Britain stood alone in Europe facing the dark forces of the Third Reich, and in the domestic field, when Britain led the way in establishing a national health service, granting women the right to vote and protecting the basic social rights of the working class.

During a previous posting to Britain, I developed a keen admiration of this record, and of the core British values of fairness, decency and common sense.

Since returning to these shores as Israel's ambassador last November, however, I have been dismayed to find that, as far as Israel is concerned, these values are under threat.

Fairness is all too frequently absent in a debate that has been hijacked by extremists.

Israel faces an intensified campaign of delegitimisation, demonisation and double standards. Britain has become a hotbed for radical anti-Israeli views and a haven for disingenuous calls for a "one-state solution", a euphemistic name for a movement advocating Israel's destruction.

No other country in the world is constantly forced to justify its own existence.

Those who propagate this notion distort Israel's past while categorically denying Israel's right to exist as a liberal Jewish-democratic state. No other country in the world is constantly forced to justify its own existence.

At the end of last month, members of the University and College Union (UCU) passed a motion that in effect called for a boycott of the Israeli academia.

The concept of an academic boycott is a ludicrous oxymoron, undermining the democratic principles of free speech and free debate. Academics, who are supposedly society's guardians of knowledge, objectivity and informed debate, have seen their union held hostage by radical factions, armed with political agendas and personal interests.

British academia has built its reputation on freedom of expression and the pluralistic exchange of ideas. Alarmingly, these values are under threat in an institution that should be safeguarding them.

The boycott campaign, which has been gathering force since 2002, is a license to harass, humiliate and victimise purely on grounds of nationality.

In recent years, cases of discrimination have included two Israeli academics being ousted from the editorial board of a journal and an Israeli postgraduate who was refused doctoral supervision because he had served in the Israeli army.

Over-simplifications, half-truths and lies have been swallowed as reality and disseminated as truth. Israel has been cast as a pantomime villain. A climate of hatred is fomented on campuses. The complexities of the situation are overlooked, as are the responsibilities of other actors in the region.

The pattern is exacerbated when coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is routinely tainted with bias and a surprising lack of context.

Double standards are rife. Israel's military reaction to the attacks it faces is given in-depth, microscopic coverage. Yet the attacks to which Israel is responding are often ignored. Terror attacks, ambushes, suicide bombings, the constant barrage of rockets being fired on Israeli citizens are frequently disregarded.

The average British citizen is painfully unaware that, since Hamas seized control of Gaza last year, 1,400 rockets and 1,500 mortar bombs have landed on Israeli soil.

The average British citizen is painfully unaware that, since Hamas seized control of Gaza last year, 1,400 rockets and 1,500 mortar bombs have landed on Israeli soil. No government in the world would tolerate such a sustained attack without taking action.

Israel is a democracy under fire, but when this context is neglected, it clears a path for the unhealthy, unacceptable demonisation of Israel. While Israel faces many challenges, it is still the only functioning democracy in the region, and the only state in the area that offers minorities full civil equality and freedom of speech.One of my greatest sources of pride is the open discourse conducted within my country. Critical debate thrives and Israelis scrutinise every aspect of our policies. We are not afraid of criticism.

I am concerned, however, that in Britain the most extreme elements of the debate have been allowed to hijack the mainstream. Those who share the values on which British democracy is built must say "no" - no to the delegitimisation of Israel, no to the demonisation of Israel and no to the double standards to which Israel is subjected.

I implore the British public to prevent the radical fringe from monopolising British-Israeli discourse. It is vital that British values of fair play and even-handedness are brought to the debate. The time has come for the silent majority to speak up and say "yes"; yes to context, yes to democracy and yes to an understanding of the challenges Israel faces as a democracy under fire.

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Visitor Comments: 42

(42)
Mike Lampard,
January 9, 2011 8:16 PM

I greatly regret the truth of what you are saying.

Sadly, Mr. Ambassador, you are right in the main. I respond as one who is vehemently PRO Israel and agree that the extremists have high-jacked main stream opinion. There are 2 issues here: one: the standard of journalistic integrity has markedly deteriorated in the last 10 years. This has resulted in poorly researched articles in our so-call intellectual newspapers who pride themselves on a liberal ethos. Secondly, we have had a government who is 'left-wing/liberal in outlook with legislation to match that has created a norm that fairness and justice are secondary to what they understand as 'human rights'. That is the stupidity of their thinking. Although there are pockets of people in the UK who bemoan this trend and the extremism that results, you are right the the main stream public are blissfully unaware of the realities of hamas and Hazbollah, etc. Our support of PM Chamberlain in 1938 appeasement of Hitler suggest that our national tempramment is vulnerable to such tendencies that you highlight, as we are in effect 'appeasing' the evils of extremism.

(41)
Patrick B. Leek,
January 9, 2011 2:53 PM

Britain is a hotbed of radical anti-Israeli sentiment.

The Brits are anti-Israel thanks to their media like the infamous Guardian and the BBC which more often than not portray the side of the Arabs. Check out Honest Reporting for a history lesson.

(40)
Esther,
November 4, 2008 2:30 PM

I know a british guy

and hes extremely anti-israel. He doesn't even know what hes talking about half the time, he just goes with whatever arguement supports his skewed viewpoints even if it's obviously untrue. I dont understand why people are so quick to throw away historical fact when it comes to Jews and Israel. It seems like that is the only topic where people refuse to look at facts and just get all angry and hateful about it.

(39)
Norman Roberts,
August 3, 2008 8:36 PM

Muslim influence

The Muslim influence in our American universities is alive and well. Patience and time are on their side... Wake up in the USA as well as in Europe before it is too late...

(38)
Mike,
June 22, 2008 7:20 AM

Sadly this observation is all too accurate.

I have been aware of thesecomments for a long time, and it seems that insidious anti-semtism is pervading our whole society. It is, however, symptomatic of a greater evil in Britain: secularisation. This undermines any absolute sense of values which include fairness and objectivity, and makes us vulnerable to being hi-jacked by extremism. I think within a decade, all our claims to fairness and human rights will be history. Those in positions of authority in the UK are generally people of total and utter garbage, and I personally have no respect for them. They make a sewer sound better!

(37)
Anonymous,
June 22, 2008 3:41 AM

Thank you for your article called "Hatred in Britain" I especially liked the line " No other country in the world is constantly forced to justify its existence. Also I liked the line No government in the world would tolerate such a sustained attack without taking action. I am from Ontario Canada. I say yes to democracy and yes to an understanding of the challenges Israel faces as a democracy under fire. I pray for Israel that it will finally get the recognition it deserves, the respect, and the Holiness of her sites, people, and lands.

(36)
Margaret Frank,
June 20, 2008 1:37 PM

When I lived in England

I am surprised that the British are taking this view of the Israeli/Palestinian issue. To start with they have a lot to do with the problems that exist in the area, and perhaps part of it is guilt. Also, they now have a large Muslim community living in England. I have heard many stories from my friends about the anti semitism in England, it never ceases to amaze me. I suppose it was always there, I simply did not see it. The irish/english war is over, so they must have moved on to the Jews now that it is no longer necessary to hate the poor Irish.

(35)
Anonymous,
June 20, 2008 8:35 AM

Jews and Israelis are always judged by standards different from those of the rest of the world.

As long as Israel is being attacked by rockets and is the target of suicide bombers she will fight back. Israel wants to make peace, but Hizbollah and other Palestinian terrorist groups don't. Their intent is to wipe Israel of the face of the earth.

(34)
HARVEY ROGERS,
June 18, 2008 8:29 PM

Take the offensive.

For too long Jews have tried to justify their existance. It's by and large a losing strategy. Anti semitism never deals in reality and always requires that its proponents lie. Th people can be easily exposed when challeged. Try to find away to publicly challenger and expose them. e.g. Publicly demand that the UCU show who else they have targeted despite others having provably committed atrocities on an enormous scale. Then make them show why the only people they acted against are Jews. These people must be attacked and exposed for the lying scum they are. Often it is possible to expose their motivation. Including being paid by Muslimlims. Usually anti-Semites have a long history of anti-Semitic statements and actions. These should be investigated and exposed in detail. It's work, but some Jewish organizations should have the resources to do it.
Stop being a punching bag and fight back, hard.

Harvey Rogers

(33)
Pessi,
June 18, 2008 5:18 PM

So what else is new?

This is the way of the world for the last 2000 years. One can see a direct correlation of rising antisemitism with the greater assimilation and secularization of Jews. By the time the Holocaust came about, the majority of Jews were assimilated or lost to the isms of the time: socialism, communism,bundism, zionism, etc. Very few Jews proportionally were Torah Jews. So the punishment came as we were warned in Tochacha.

But secular Jews like Ron Prosor, Olmert,Livni etal. still don't get it. They keep saying and thinking like the liberals and leftists, that all we have to do is give more and more to satiate the Arabs, liberals, Americans, Europe. What sheer stupidity. What utter blindness. They will never learn or accept that maybe just maybe they are wrong and no matter what happens, they will still stick with their liberal policies of appeasing the left. They are so desperate to be loved by the liberals and the west, they cannot fathom the hatred. And in truth, the blind hatred makes no sense, is illogical in the face of all the good the Israelis have produced and invented to benefit Mankind. The medical and technical advances alone that Israel has engineered is way beyond what any other country has contributed to the world. And these phony, frauds who are always screaming for Israel's destruction have no problem making use of all the inventions that come to the world directly from Israel.

Maybe Israel should boycott England and stop exporting all the wonderful inventions that are being discovered every day.Nothing will change as long as the secular lost Jews hold political power. Can you imagine the strong leadership Israel would have if it was ruled by a Torah Jew?

(32)
George,
June 18, 2008 10:18 AM

UK is not the threat.

U.K can boycott israeli academia, fine, that's all it can do. But, the more danger is the Israeli prime minister who is willing to give Golan height, east jerusalem and(Gaza which became the rocket launching pad)under the name of peace??. This seems more dangerous than U.K. boycott.If this Great Bloody britain supports Israel then the pakistani muslims will blast U.K. To appease terrorists, stupid britain is doing this nonsense. curse.

(31)
Anonymous,
June 18, 2008 7:36 AM

Economics is the key

WE can wait for the Messiah or we can use the resource that we have used for milenia--our brains.If Israel leads the world in renewable resources and puts oil on the shelf then all of this empty headed criticism of Israel would stop.Certainly Israeli technology and industry could combine to create an Israeli "Manhattan project" to create alternatives to fossil fuels.The Arabs would recede into their deserts and perhaps find a way to drink their oil.

(30)
Anonymous,
June 18, 2008 5:53 AM

Agreed

The problem seems to be the liberals have sided w/ the Muslims. It's the same here in the US.

(29)
Anonymous,
June 18, 2008 2:13 AM

hi i am afraid it is all true and very scarey for all jews anti semitism rife although they call it anti israel just another word same thing we need more people like ron prosser standing up for the truth most people dont know its tv and all media bias against our beloved israel

(28)
STEVEN LUKENS,
June 17, 2008 10:08 PM

KEEP THE GOLAN HEIGHTS FOREVER. PLANT JEWISH COMMUNITIES THERE AND A LARGE MILITARY BASE!!!

KEEP THE GOLAN HEIGHTS AS PART OF ISRAEL!!!
PLANT JEWISH COMMUNITIES AND A LARGE ARMY/AIRFORCE BASE THERE!!!
NEVER GIVE BACK ANY MORE LAND!!!
TAKE MORE LAND!!!
I WOULD NOT GIVE ANY LAND TO THE LAND THE PALESTINIANS AS LONG AS HAMAS IS THERE!
START WORK ON THE RED-DEAD SEA CANAL!!!
BUILD UP ISRAEL EVERY WHICH WAY!!!
GO FROM STRENGHT TO STRENGTH!!!
NEVER SHOW ANY WEAKNESS!!!

(27)
Victor Hafichuk,
June 17, 2008 9:24 PM

Why democracy?

I agree with Ron Prosor and identify with his concern about delegitimisation and demonisation of Israel the world over. However, I keep hearing the mantra of democracy. While democracy might be better than many other man-made forms of government, why do we treat it as a god? What is so ultimately good about the sheep (voting populace) telling the shepherd (politician voted in)what to do, and how, where and when, if not why, they should be led and fed until dead?

Mixing rulers with the ruled, can such an arrangement ultimately survive? Is that not what Daniel saw in his vision concerning the kingdom of the last days, one of clay mixed with iron, the ruled and the ruling, mixing but not able to agree, unite and be whole? Is this (democracy) not the basest form of those governments expressed in Nebuchadnezzar's image, starting with the head of gold?

At this final stage of mankind's history of self-rule, we are at the humble feet and toes of democracy now. Is it not time people began to realize that unless we have a theocracy, the Kingdom of Heaven (not a man-made government), we are only spinning our tires in muddy ruts, going nowhere but down?

Jews must stop trying to impress western democracies for their support by declaring Israel an only but proud democracy in the Middle East. The democracies of the West too are finished. We need the true government from above, not silly copies from beneath, no matter how popular or presumably beneficial in the short term.

Please put my name to this - Victor Hafichuk - I am not anonymous.

(26)
Achim,
June 17, 2008 3:56 PM

The main taboo in war on terror and publishing about endless war against ISRAEL is, that it started 1919, 1920 with the 1st pogrome, as an antisemite islamist movement in Jerusalem, later in Kairo with 1928s internat. muslimbrotherhood,- both as modernized form and extension of old koran djihad strategy, contentwise as a mixture of worldconspiracy faith with Koran, and later directly with Nazi propaganda, still later by KGB, - based on the so called "protocols of elders of zion".

So we do not clear up and fight against that, our soldiers, secret services and police cannot win the battle for security and freedom on a middle or long-term basis seen.

- Actuel you may recognize in the motherland of democracy England, but also in the USA -- hardly less than in Ger, I, F or E -- that in the medium term the not clearing up about this essential things the thin and apparently wrong argumentation,
used skillfully propagandistic of islamic, atheistic as christian opponents against GB and USA government as beeing liars and oilrobbers, so that masses of people had been pushed to pro islamists and pro arab-iran argumentation. - What also had been supported here by protestant church Kock, thought Blair is protestant and social-democrate (Labour) man too.

To get in the trap or very difficult situation for the West, there is an other strategic condition : The traditional antiwest and anti-american stereotypes and pseudo self-critical narratives (for expl. christian or US- "genocide to indians" and similar) that are mixed up with fascists and left-wingers "anti(west)imperialism",-so like it strongly one spreads through Trotzkists and other no-marxist leftist and - most of - antizionists.
- This kind of bad influence in Great Britain how in Germany, France, Italy, Sweden,...,and Spain reaches into the floors of ministries. - And in history, perhaps you know what a heap of Oxford professors said to protect Hitlergermany against war, or wath ex-Edward VIII/since 1936 Duke of Windsor planned with and said for Hitler, visiting him at Obersaltberg ! It is unbelivible but part of our weak and un-anticipated past, - like Henry Ford, who did a big part of pro-Nazi and anti-jewish worldconspiration propaganda.

An extra disturbing chapter of this world wide intifada, (anti-)djihad and asymetric war is -- not only that a network of jewish authors write and co-ordinate for a world without ISRAEL -- but, that also important israeli voices do similar, by supplying worldÂ´s antizionists with actuel statements and stories, often produced together with arab activists. And worce : Voices from HAÂ´RETZ propagada a "self guilty" for getting rockets from Gaza,- or like Amira Hass, reporting about security streets in JudÃ¤a, spoke about ISRAELis as "new Herrenrasse/master race" in german(!) TV ! -
The last I heared or read about such is, that IDF speakers ask around apology on the occasion of arranged arab photos with fake dead ones !
or worst, that the owner of HAÂ´ARETZ condemned citizice at the islam as wrong and as antisemite (!!) during an international journalists conference in Jan. or Febr. this year, when they discussed defend freedom after islam organized riots against danish caricatures against islamists brutality. . .

The world stand on head ! Here I will stop with my question, whether israeli, british or american spread the message of the basis or core of conviction of islamists and nazis fanatism ? Who read israelÂ´s Hassada Ben-IttoÂ´s book "The protocols ...- Anatomy of a falsification" or what is about the film "Protocols of Zion" by New YorkÂ´s artist Marc Levin, what has been ready for clearing up in january 2006 , NYÂ´s Simon Wiesenthal Center published a manual for the systematic refutation of "protocols...", Willi EisnerÂ´s legacy work is "Plot", in 5767/2007 Dr. Joel Fishman Jewish Political Studies Review 19, Nr. 1&2, published : The Big Lie and the Media War against Israel / From Inversion of the Truth to Inversion of Reality.
- How long long time we still want to wait to use these means for to open a strategic new front against antisemite terrorism and islamism ?!
bye,
Ac

(25)
Andy,
June 17, 2008 9:51 AM

reply to comments:I may not have been clear but Daniella get's it!

"I think what Andy was trying to say is that the reason Israel doesn't *seem* to defend itself the way many like Andy thinks they should (and he's not alone) is that it must be that the Israeli government in some way agrees with its enemies."
I put much of the blame on the Israeli gov't as they seem to have the power to protect their citizens and have chosen not to act firmly. It seems to me that when a thinking person asks why, one logical conclusion is the one I stated. The view that a Jewish State is unwelcome and illegitimate is further bolstered by many in the Israeli media and in academic circles ,who along with influential Jews in the Diaspora openly do question Israel's right to exist as a militarily superior Jewish State within defensible borders.

(24)
Luzia Bright,
June 17, 2008 7:19 AM

Israel be strong

These attacks are nothing new to the Jewish People. They are just wrapped in todays lingo. Would they happen if Children where thought History in Truth? It is unblievable how little (and if there is any, it is false) people here in the US know about Israel. Our Government never had any Business pressing Israel into making (peace?). And Israel should do what it knows to be the Right thing to do. Israel has always stood alone, except for One. And that is G-d.
One more thing, As it goes with Democratic State of Israel, so will it go with the rest of the Democracies.
Be Strong Israel, do Not let ANYONE Pressure or Dictate ANYTHING to you that ENDANGERS YOUR SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC STATE.

(23)
Pleasant,
June 16, 2008 5:19 PM

I agree a little with the first comment:

We cannot expect to get respect when we cater to the opinons of the press and world governments. If Israel is to get respect we must demand it and issue policies according to Torah and the truth. We must no longer cater to the ones who are willing to take us apart like a jigsaw puzzle. If they want to threaten anymore to push a into the sea, I say we should give them a taste of what this feels like and push them there. "Give a law unto the heathen and you shall have peace."

(22)
Lee Sanders,
June 16, 2008 3:11 PM

The WORLD better back off...

There is no other country on this planet that has been beaten down as much as Israel, and yet, in spite of all they have suffered, they cannot be destroyed. They are still Gods people, and as such WILL survive because God will defend them. One by one, country after country has turned on them, so it comes as no surprise that not-so-great britain is joining the pack. If America turns on them, I'm moving to Israel. When the dust settles and the smoke clears, Israel will be the only one left standing, and that is in the book. Doesn't matter if you like it or believe it, the truth is what it is. GOD BLESS ISRAEL!

(21)
Bernard Switalski,
June 16, 2008 2:58 PM

Read Marx', "On the Jewish Question" ...

Why so surprised?
From day 1, the Left has hated Jews.
Think not?
Read Marx', "On the Jewish Question"
(It's on the web.)

(20)
Joey,
June 16, 2008 2:12 PM

Reply to Les

I have to disagree with Les on the role of Christianity in the current bias many have against Israel, aside from Muslims, the majority of anti-Israeli bias tends to come from secular, liberal organizations. I cannot speak much for Britain, but I know here in America the most religious Christians tend to be Israel's greatest defenders.

God bless!

(19)
James,
June 16, 2008 1:49 PM

Israel's right to exist

I am a true Christian and as such support the Jewish state of Israel. I am sad to say that my Country (UK) is anti-jewish and I do not know why. The Bible which we have is clearly a Jewish book and we are indebted to the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for this Book. I, myself, and my church and countless others who I know all love, support and respect the Jewish community. We are currently suporting some charities who are helping the Jewish people make Alijah, and also distributing the Torah to many Jewish people free of charge.
Please donot write off all british Christians, I know it is true that Britain has not supported the Jewish people as a nation but there are many individuals who do.
Shalom

(18)
bernie,
June 16, 2008 12:58 PM

les is 1000% right. i have been living with that stigmatism all my life. i am 73 years old. not a thing has changed except,there are no more camps.

(17)
Barbara Black,
June 16, 2008 9:28 AM

support for Israel

It probably isn't a lot of comfort but in this area of Canada there is a lot of support for Israel. In any issue Israel is automatically considered to be right. Other parts of Canada might have a different attitude.

(16)
Daniela,
June 16, 2008 9:18 AM

Whoa ! Take it easy on Andy

I think what Andy was trying to say is that the reason Israel doesn't *seem* to defend itself the way many like Andy thinks they should (and he's not alone) is that it must be that the Israeli government in some way agrees with its enemies.

(15)
Les,
June 16, 2008 8:30 AM

WHAT ELSE IS NEW

Thanks to the organized Christian Church (especially the Roman Catholic

church), Jews have been vilified for

over 2000 years for killing their God. This was in the gospels and taught to the uneducated masses for millenia. It''s ingrained in the minds of the Gentiles. The damage cannot be undone, regardless of the so-called church reforms. With the Muslims, the Jews are also vilified in their "holy" book. We are wasting our time on endless marketing campaigns trying to justify everything Israel does to protect itself. I say, tell the world to take a hike. Do whatever is necessary to advance our own interests and security and to hell with our enemies (church, media, etc).

(14)
Clive Chaloner,
June 15, 2008 9:22 PM

The gathering storm

How right you are in your excellent article. Not only in Britain but in most of the rest of the world there ia also a largely indifferent public, influenced by a manipulated and manipulative media, becoming historically and biblically illiterate.
I do what I can bring awareness of the real truth, but it's sure not easy.
Take courage though, ultimately the enemy cannot win!

(13)
Beverly Kurtin, Ph.D.,
June 15, 2008 3:53 PM

Damned either way

Andy, your remarks are ludicrous! Regardless of what Israel does the world scoffs. If Israel attacks they are accused of committing horrible crimes. If they don't attack, they are accused by people like you of the other side having a valid reason for attacking Israel. It is a classic case of damned if they do and damned if they don't.

The Arab cowards hide behind civilian protection. If Israel goes after the attackers, they will wind up killing "innocent civilians." Are they "innocent" or are they also damned if they do and damned if they don't permit rocket launchers to be fired from civilian areas?

Keep in mind that we're not dealing with honest criticism. We're dealing with propagandists of the worst kind. Regardless of what Israel does, they are going to be accused of horrendous crimes.

Take the recent lies about how Israel cut off the fuel supplies to the Gaza strip forcing the shut down of bakeries. True? No. The power sent to Gaza comes from power cables, not fuel. Reuters showed pictures of the terrorists meeting in candle lit conditions while curtains showed that the sunlight was being partly blocked. Did Reuters make any mention of that? No. Actually, they didn't HAVE to mention it, any intelligent person could see the sun streaming into the "candle lit" meeting.

As the only Jewish student in an elementary school the teachers would not pay any attention to what the other students were doing to me (pulling my hair, throwing ink on my clothing, pulling my glasses off and then breaking them under their feet) UNTIL I TURNED AROUND AND STARTED PROTECTING MYSELF. Ah hah! There goes that miserable little Jewish kid again. I was dragged out of the class and taken to the principals office. Never mind that I obviously could not have injured myself the way they said I did, "I" was the one who was punished. I can fully understand Israel's situation.

Israel was blamed recently for killing people on a beach. To "prove" their point, they showed Israeli ships shooting shells. But were the shells going into the beaches? Were the shells, in fact, being shot on the day that the shells killed the people on the beach? No, the film clips were taken two years before and as things turned out, the shells were fired by Hezbollah, not Israel.

Still, Israel got the blame. They said they didn't do it, they had the FACTS to prove they didn't do it. But people like YOU don't care about the facts, only the lies that Arab propagandists thrive on.

I tried to defend myself in the principals office but was told that it was obvious that I had broken my own glasses and threw ink on myself to make the Christian kids look bad. Even though I told the truth, even though it was obvious to any impartial viewer of the facts, I was still blamed.

Then, years later, people wonder why I still bear hatred towards those who maltreated me. Gee, I wonder why?

My 50th class reunion was held recently. People asked why I didn't go to it. My answer? "I hated them then, nothing has changed, why should I not hate them now?

And you, Andy...reexamine your own words. What should Israel do? You tell us, you seem to be an expert. WHAT SHOULD ISRAEL DO?

(12)
Ray,
June 15, 2008 3:19 PM

When we ignore Israel

If you understand Biblical History you can not but realize that any nation that turns its back on Israel will suffer consequences beyond imagination. We in the USA are on the verge of making this terrible mistake. Britain, wake up and see where you're headed.

(11)
dorothy,
June 15, 2008 2:50 PM

Andy, what is your point?

Your comments don't make sense. Are you saying that Sderot deserves to be attacked? Do you mean that the Israelis need to work harder at finding a negotiating partner among the Palestinians? or do you just think Hamas-led Gaza should be obliterated? Please think through what you are trying to say.

(10)
Don,
June 15, 2008 2:20 PM

REALLY, WHOSE LAND IS IT

We are living in a world gone crazy and for many God does not have a place and or does not exist. So, many people miss the point that the land Israel occupies belongs to the Jews. It is a covenet that God will not break and the world cannot change the situation to what "man" thinks the outcome ought to be.
Don

(9)
Eliyahu,
June 15, 2008 1:36 PM

Pressured to hold back

Andy wrote: "If Isreal [sic] won't stand up for itself how do they expect the rest of to world to take their side."Israel is already condemned and criticised every time they respond to rocket and mortar attacks even though they use restraint and do their best to limit damage to the attackers. If they were to respond in-kind, firing random rockets and mortars into civilian areas, they'd be labels as war criminals and barbarians. Unfortunately, there is still a double-standard in the Mideast, where the Arabs are treated as children who can't be held to the standards of civilised peoples, where terrorists are labeled as "militants", and where their attacks on women and children receive a scant mention in news stories condemning Israel for responding to those attacks no matter how carefully they're limited to avoid collateral damage. It's time for the Beeb and other UK media to take a more objective stance and stop pandering to fears of upsetting Britain's Muslim population.

(8)
Christian,
June 15, 2008 1:17 PM

The new anti-semitism

Modern Anti-Zionism is usually old anti-semitism writ large. It must be defeated in Britain where it is reinforced by an alien wedge of people from Moslem countries.

(7)
Shaun A. Camilleri,
June 15, 2008 12:30 PM

Europe under ransom

What is expected from a continent under ransom? To keep itself safe, so politicians think, from extremists. They have musled the European population unless they belong to the muslim theory under the guise of political correctness. Politician talk for 'Shut up'. A Europe that always finds funds to fund Hamas or those other terrorists but never find funds to support the poor people in Europe as in Europe we have a free market and must pay taxes to keep terrorists at bay which has the effect of giving them idea that killing our people pays - and as thus far it does. Israel is the scape goat that keeps attention away from Europe's problems. Also Israel is a uphemism for Jew whether religious or not. After thousands of years for blaming the Jews for all the ills in different societies has anything changed?

It is over simplifying to state that if Israel doesn't stand up for itself how csn she expect the rest of the world to do stand up for Israel! The rest of the world ignored the Holocaust as we know from history. First, the rest of the world needs to stand up and recognize Israel as a state (or country) that has the historic right to exist, to live and to thrive.

(4)
Ida,
June 15, 2008 10:24 AM

Israel stands up as much as she is permitted to.

Andy, this is your quote."If Israel won't stand up for itself how do they expect the rest of to world to take their side". You over-simplify. Who is the "rest of the world" if it is not YOU? And if it is not YOU, then whom?

(3)
Hilda,
June 15, 2008 10:13 AM

Unfortunately Britain never pro Israel

Even while Britain held the mandate over Palestinie, it was obvious that its senitments were pro Arab and unlike their feelings for both US and India, they never forgave Israel for forcing them off the land. Even thugh Balfour gave Rothschild his declaration that promised the land as a Jewish homeland, they more or less negated it when they gave away ost of it to the Hashimites and formed the country of Jordan, leaving only a small fraction of the original to be then subdivided again in the UN resolution, Israel receiving ony a then considered indifenseable and mostly desert sliver. That Israel defied expectations and flourished after 60 years really must burn every anti semitie in Britain--and we see it in the messages on the boards. There is only one time which I remember in my lifetime that Britain ever recognized the Jewish State and that is when they needed their help in "56 to free the Suez. The British were never a friend as witnessed by their negative votes in the UN.

(2)
Andy,
June 15, 2008 9:23 AM

more kevetching

" since Hamas seized control of Gaza last year, 1,400 rockets and 1,500 mortar bombs have landed on Israeli soil. No government in the world would tolerate such a sustained attack without taking action."

It seems to me that a powerful gov't would take it if they believe the other side may have a valid point. If Isreal won't stand up for itself how do they expect the rest of to world to take their side.

(1)
Paul,
June 15, 2008 8:21 AM

ashamed to be british

Hello, a very good article i am a british male living in England it breaks my heart to see Israel stabbed in the back often by british media and other sources, i love Israel and the jewish people and will defend them unto death, best wishes, Paul.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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